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Analysis: The Bobcats, along with every other team in the lottery, got a huge scare on Sunday when Davis went down with what looked like a knee injury. Davis ended up being just fine, allowing Wildcats fans and everyone to breath a sigh of relief. Whether you think this draft is really good or just so-so, it drops dramatically if Davis isn't in it.

For the Bobcats, Davis could be a franchise changer. Pair him together with Bismack Biyombo on the front line, and I'm not sure anyone will score in the paint against them.

Analysis: The Wizards got two encouraging signs this weekend: (1) Kidd-Gilchrist shook off a mini-slump to produce two of the best games of his career in propelling Kentucky to the Final Four, and (2) sources say MKG will declare for the draft after the Wildcats' season is over.

Kidd-Gilchrist tweeted that he hasn't actually made a decision yet, but given his previous stance was that he intended to stay in school, the writing is on the wall. Adding his toughness and leadership would be crucial for a Wizards team that is in desperate need of both.

Analysis: The Hornets will have a tough call here. Andre Drummond has more upside, but if they're trying to build a team around winners, then Robinson is the man. He has carried a mediocre Kansas team on his back to the Final Four and just refuses to back down. He'll bring toughness, physicality and energy to the paint in New Orleans.

Analysis: The Blazers grabbed this pick from the Nets as part of the Gerald Wallace deal the teams struck before the trade deadline. It's Top 3 protected, so the pick could still revert back to New Jersey. Beal is coming off a terrific weekend in which he finally started playing like the talent he is. He would be a perfect long-term replacement for Brandon Roy.

Analysis: The Raptors have been looking for a legit small forward for the past several years and Harrison Barnes would be a perfect fit. However, after Barnes' struggles this past weekend against Ohio and Kansas, the Raptors may want to take another look to see if he still has the upside we all thought he did coming out of high school.

Drummond has been a disappointment, too, but if you are going to miss, you probably ought to miss big. Pairing him in a frontcourt with last year's lottery pick, Jonas Valanciunas, could finally make Andrea Bargnani expendable.

Analysis: The Pistons are in desperate need of size and athleticism in the frontcourt. While I think the Pistons would prefer Drummond, Zeller would still be a great get. He's quick, tough and very polished for a freshman. Pairing him with Greg Monroe would immediately make the Pistons better -- if Zeller actually decides to declare.

Analysis: The Kings need a small forward and landing Barnes at this point in the draft could be a steal. Yes, he looked oddly passive late in the season and seems one-dimensional, but Barnes' ability to defend and shoot the jumper should be welcome in Sacramento. If he turns into a Danny Granger/Glen Rice sort of player down the road, the Kings would get great value here.

Analysis: The Cavs need talent and, based on pure talent, there are few players who hold a candle to Jones. He's struggled to stay engaged offensively and defensively for Baylor, which is a huge concern -- if Jones didn't have those issues, he'd be battling Davis for the No. 1 pick. But at some point in the draft the reward outweighs the risk. What do the Cavs have to lose here?

Analysis: The Jazz need a point guard, but this draft doesn't appear to have an elite PG prospect right now. The question is whether to go with Lillard (an explosive scorer who can play both positions), Kendall Marshall (a pure point guard who is an excellent facilitator) or Tony Wroten Jr. (the most talented of the group, but also the riskiest). I think they split the difference and go with Lillard, but the truth is this decision is very much up in the air right now.

Analysis: McAdoo had a breakout game against Kansas in the Elite Eight, scoring 15 points in 19 minutes. He's unproven, but his athleticism, versatility and upside make him a pretty safe pick at No. 10. McAdoo isn't really a need for the Bucks, but they can keep collecting talent.

Analysis: If the Blazers can land Beal with their first pick, they would likely look to fill one of their holes at center or point guard. In a weak point guard draft, their two available options at the 1 would be Marshall and Wroten. While both have strengths, I think the Blazers would rather go big and take Zeller. He's not going to be a star, but the senior runs the floor like a guard and has improved each season.

Analysis: Marshall helped his stock more than any player in the tournament last weekend, even though he didn't play a minute. North Carolina, with all of its talent, struggled to find a coherent offense without Marshall conducting the show. He's not Chris Paul, but he would make everyone around him better in New Orleans.

Analysis: Sullinger doesn't necessarily fill a need -- the Suns drafted Markieff Morris to play the 4 last year -- but he's the best player left on the board and the type of guy who could immediately give Phoenix a very different but dominant look in the paint.

Analysis: Lamb is a versatile swingman somewhat in the mold of Kevin Martin. But with Martin heading into the last year of his deal in Houston, Lamb could be a nice long-term replacement.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Houston (via Knicks)

John Henson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 21
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Rockets lack long, athletic bigs, and Henson would give them a defensive presence who can guard both forward positions. He's still raw offensively, but he has a little Andrei Kirilenko in his game.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Denver

Terrence Jones

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 244 pounds
Age: 20
School: Kentucky
Analysis: Jones has enough talent to be five or six spots higher in the draft, but his inconsistent attitude may push him down a few spots. He'd be a great fit for the Nuggets, another versatile player who can play either forward position and shoot the basketball.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Minnesota (via Jazz)

Austin Rivers

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 199 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke
Analysis: The Wolves would get this pick if the Jazz fall out of the lottery. Minnesota's biggest need is at 2-guard and Rivers would be a fantastic fit. His abilities to get to the basket and shoot from downtown are coveted, and with alpha dogs Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love already in place, Rivers may actually start playing to his strengths instead of trying to take over the team like he did at Duke.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Boston

Royce White

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 240 pounds
Age: 20
School: Iowa State
Analysis: White has as much talent as virtually anyone in this draft. But there are questions about some off-court issues and an anxiety disorder that includes the fear of flying. I think Doc Rivers might be the perfect coach to get through to him.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Philadelphia

Terrence Ross

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 21
School: Washington
Analysis: Jodie Meeks is the closest thing the Sixers have to a great 3-point shooter. Adding Ross should be an instant upgrade at the backup shooting guard spot.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Memphis

Meyers Leonard

Position: C
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 240 pounds
Age: 20
School: Illinois
Analysis: Leonard isn't the most polished big man in the draft, but that seems to be the sort of thing owner Michael Heisley loves. Marc Gasol is great, but after him the Grizzlies really do need some help in the middle.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Houston (via Mavs)

Quincy Miller

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 210 pounds
Age: 19
School: Baylor
Analysis: Here the Rockets go for a player with a lot more talent than his draft position suggests. Miller is still working through some issues from an ACL surgery in his senior year of high school and was not a primary option for Baylor this season. But if he declares, he has tremendous upside at the 3.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Boston (via Clippers)

Dion Waiters

Position: SG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Age: 20
School: Syracuse
Analysis: Danny Ainge has never been one to shy away from troubled talent, and in Waiters he could land a star. While size is a much bigger need, Waiters' abilities to get to the basket and score in transition are impressive. If he has matured, the Celtics could be getting a steal here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Atlanta

Tony Wroten Jr.

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 18
School: Washington
Analysis: The Hawks continue their search for a real point guard. Jeff Teague has been solid this season, but Wroten has so much more upside. On talent alone, he should be a top-5 pick. He's a steal if the Hawks get him here.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Indiana

Patric Young

Position: C
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 245 pounds
Age: 20
School: Florida
Analysis: The Pacers are always looking for toughness and defense in the frontcourt, and Young brings both. Jeff Foster's midseason retirement has been a blow, but Young could end up doing some of the same things. He doesn't do much of anything on the offensive end, but he has Ben Wallace-like potential on defense. However, Young currently has stated that he'll be returning to Florida for his junior season.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Cleveland (via Lakers)

Jeff Taylor

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 22
School: Vanderbilt
Analysis: Taylor is another elite athlete who can play way above the rim. What he's lacked for most of his career is a great jump shot. But Taylor has improved dramatically in that area lately, making him a lethal weapon on both ends of the floor. The Cavs really need help at the 3, making this a nice match.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Orlando

Arnett Moultrie

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 225 pounds
Age: 21
School: Mississippi State
Analysis: Moultrie has all the physical tools to be a dominant NBA player. He is long and super athletic and can even get things done on the perimeter. He's just taken a little longer to develop.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Golden State
(via Spurs)

Moe Harkless

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 190 pounds
Age: 18
School: St. John's
Analysis: The Warriors could really use some help at the small forward position. Harkless reminds me a little of Trevor Ariza. He is a terrific scorer and defender who needs to get a more settled jump shot.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Miami

Draymond Green

Position: SF
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 235 pounds
Age: 22
School: Michigan State
Analysis: The Heat need players with experience who excel in bringing out the best in their teammates. Green can be a point-forward type who does a little bit of everything. Think of him as a better-passing Udonis Haslem.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Oklahoma City

Mason Plumlee

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 230 pounds
Age: 22
School: Duke
Analysis: Plumlee's upside is probably similar to that of the Pacers' Jeff Foster. While he won't be a dominant player on either end of the floor, he's big, he'll defend and he'll flush things around the rim.

PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS

Chicago

Andrew Nicholson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 222 pounds
Age: 22
School: St. Bonaventure
Analysis: Nicholson has gotten dramatically better every season and has some David West to his game. He would be a good fit in Chicago -- especially since the Bulls wouldn't mind finding a new home for Carlos Boozer this summer.

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Re: Can someone post this article?

I don't pay any attention to mock drafts until after the date of April 10th which is the date players can withdraw their names from the draft and retain their college eligibility. There will be some of these players who won't be in the draft this year.

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Re: Can someone post this article?

Indiana

Patric Young

Position: C
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 245 pounds
Age: 20
School: Florida
Analysis: The Pacers are always looking for toughness and defense in the frontcourt, and Young brings both. Jeff Foster's midseason retirement has been a blow, but Young could end up doing some of the same things. He doesn't do much of anything on the offensive end, but he has Ben Wallace-like potential on defense. However, Young currently has stated that he'll be returning to Florida for his junior season.

I'm calling BS on this one. Even if he was coming out and having never seen Young play, he averages 26min and only pulls down 6 boards and less than 1 block/gm.

Not to mention that Green and Moultrie are still on the board, as well as Tony Mitchell, who he doesn't have going in the first round.

I'd almost rather have Taylor than a center unless the Center is Melo or Ezeli. I'd look for Marquis Teague, Fab Melo and Jeff Taylor with our first pick, and maybe we can trade up to an early second rounder and snag Ezeli if we grab Taylor or Teague first.

Taylor helps us by solidifying Paul George as our 2 of the future. He has no business playing 3 instead of Danny when they both bring size advantages at their positions. Don't change what works.

Marquis Teague helps in multiple ways; he brings a good point presence that would give us a good 1-2 punch at 1. DC would play where he plays at his best, where he belongs, with the second unit. Teague can pass, he can score, and he has all the potential in the world (not on Paul's level, but still can be a solid starter). This is all aside from the fact that he's a hometown kid who will bring marketability for the team to the city. This is similar to Lebron in Cleveland or Rosie in Chicago. I'm not nearly saying he's on their level of talent, but the hometown marketability is comperable.

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Last edited by Steagles; 03-28-2012 at 02:09 PM.

"What you do is so loud, I can't hear what you say" -Andrew Luck
"If you turn the other cheek, I'm gonna hit you in the other cheek, too" -Charles Barkley
"Ego is edging greatness out" -Rick Pitino

Freshman at the University of Louisville
Greenfield-Central High School Alum '14
Follow me on Twitter @steagles1

Re: Can someone post this article?

I'd almost rather have Taylor than a center unless the Center is Melo or Ezeli. I'd look for Marquis Teague, Fab Melo and Jeff Taylor with our first pick, and maybe we can trade up to an early second rounder and snag Ezeli if we grab Taylor or Teague first.

Taylor helps us by solidifying Paul George as our 2 of the future. He has no business playing 3 instead of Danny when they both bring size advantages at their positions. Don't change what works.

Marquis Teague helps in multiple ways; he brings a good point presence that would give us a good 1-2 punch at 1. DC would play where he plays at his best, where he belongs, with the second unit. Teague can pass, he can score, and he has all the potential in the world (not on Paul's level, but still can be a solid starter). This is all aside from the fact that he's a hometown kid who will bring marketability for the team to the city. This is similar to Lebron in Cleveland or Rosie in Chicago. I'm not nearly saying he's on their level of talent, but the hometown marketability is comperable.

Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk

I actually thought Teague was kind of a disappointment at KU. He's basically the same player his brother is (extremely fast and can get to the basket, but is wildly inconsistent shooting the ball), and on the plus side, he does have more size, and defensive potential. But I'm not sold he is better than DC. Both short term, and long term.

Re: Can someone post this article?

I'd almost rather have Taylor than a center unless the Center is Melo or Ezeli. I'd look for Marquis Teague, Fab Melo and Jeff Taylor with our first pick, and maybe we can trade up to an early second rounder and snag Ezeli if we grab Taylor or Teague first.

Taylor helps us by solidifying Paul George as our 2 of the future. He has no business playing 3 instead of Danny when they both bring size advantages at their positions. Don't change what works.

Marquis Teague helps in multiple ways; he brings a good point presence that would give us a good 1-2 punch at 1. DC would play where he plays at his best, where he belongs, with the second unit. Teague can pass, he can score, and he has all the potential in the world (not on Paul's level, but still can be a solid starter). This is all aside from the fact that he's a hometown kid who will bring marketability for the team to the city. This is similar to Lebron in Cleveland or Rosie in Chicago. I'm not nearly saying he's on their level of talent, but the hometown marketability is comperable.

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If Teague waits a year, he can be a lottery pick which means more money over his rookie contract. It would more than pay for the loss of a mil as a 20 something pick. Not to mention the experience gained by staying another year. Personally, I'm hoping he stays in school.

Re: Can someone post this article?

I actually thought Teague was kind of a disappointment at KU. He's basically the same player his brother is (extremely fast and can get to the basket, but is wildly inconsistent shooting the ball), and on the plus side, he does have more size, and defensive potential. But I'm not sold he is better than DC. Both short term, and long term.

I thought he was too, until the tourney. He has improved vastly in March and I think he is the main reason they are in the Final Four. Not Davis, not Kidd-Gilchrist. Teams were ready for them, but when the time came he stepped up and played well and carried the team when teams were stopping K-G and Davis.

Last edited by Steagles; 03-28-2012 at 02:29 PM.

"What you do is so loud, I can't hear what you say" -Andrew Luck
"If you turn the other cheek, I'm gonna hit you in the other cheek, too" -Charles Barkley
"Ego is edging greatness out" -Rick Pitino

Freshman at the University of Louisville
Greenfield-Central High School Alum '14
Follow me on Twitter @steagles1

Re: Can someone post this article?

If Teague waits a year, he can be a lottery pick which means more money over his rookie contract. It would more than pay for the loss of a mil as a 20 something pick. Not to mention the experience gained by staying another year. Personally, I'm hoping he stays in school.

I hope he does too. It will do him good. However, I'm going to be realistic for a moment: A star player, a point guard at that, staying for his sophomore season at the point-guard-factory UK? I'll believe it when I see it.

"What you do is so loud, I can't hear what you say" -Andrew Luck
"If you turn the other cheek, I'm gonna hit you in the other cheek, too" -Charles Barkley
"Ego is edging greatness out" -Rick Pitino

Freshman at the University of Louisville
Greenfield-Central High School Alum '14
Follow me on Twitter @steagles1

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Re: Can someone post this article?

This draft is supposed to be great and all, but I'm not sure I see a franchise guy, yet. Still need to see more. Anthony Davis could be your defensive answer at center for years, so I guess that qualifies, but there isn't a Durant or Lebron in this group, that I can see.

Even Harrison Barnes starts to look like, just a scorer. I don't mean that as a knock, just mean he may not give you much else. Sullinger projected 13 or so, he seems like the most likely to be able to be a Brand type. I had him pegged top 3-6. PJ3 has oodles of size and talent, coupled with a shot, I have a hard time seeing him going that low as well.

I'm just saying, this draft looks deep on quality starters which is really nice, but does it have any or many allstars?

I'd love to have Kidd Gilcrest, but right now he gets transition basket and boards against lesser competition. He's a great piece, but I can't ever see him being the man. Same with Thomas Robinson. Drummond could be the best player in this draft if he works at it and is dedicated or he could be a guy that never develops.

Lots of young, young guys who are really hard to project imo.

Most importantly, after Anthony Davis who's the best fantasy bet in this group? Having trouble seeing it.

Re: Can someone post this article?

I think Kidd Gilchrist will be a great player jsut because he is damn smart on the court. The reason you see him attacking in the paint and looking for easy put backs right now is because he realizes that is the best way for him to dominate. The kid has a ton of skill in the open court with or without the ball when he gets the chance to show it. I'm not sure who he really reminds me of the in the current NBA, but I'll think he'll be a "star".

Davis will be a great defensive player, but that fact that Cody out played him in December and then absolutely throttled him head to head in Atlanta is a bit of a warning sign.

Re: Can someone post this article?

Kstat, I know you like Cody so, Cody or Drummond for the Pistons, if you had the choice?

somewhat off topic...but is there a way to add tagging on forums? Pretty much like how you can on facebook/twitter. So in this case, instead of hoping Kstat would see this thread, he'd get notified when you tag him in a post (...@Kstat).

On another forum I'm on, it leaves notifications for people when they are quoted or thanked.

Re: Can someone post this article?

This draft is supposed to be great and all, but I'm not sure I see a franchise guy, yet. Still need to see more. Anthony Davis could be your defensive answer at center for years, so I guess that qualifies, but there isn't a Durant or Lebron in this group, that I can see.

Even Harrison Barnes starts to look like, just a scorer. I don't mean that as a knock, just mean he may not give you much else. Sullinger projected 13 or so, he seems like the most likely to be able to be a Brand type. I had him pegged top 3-6. PJ3 has oodles of size and talent, coupled with a shot, I have a hard time seeing him going that low as well.

I'm just saying, this draft looks deep on quality starters which is really nice, but does it have any or many allstars?

I'd love to have Kidd Gilcrest, but right now he gets transition basket and boards against lesser competition. He's a great piece, but I can't ever see him being the man. Same with Thomas Robinson. Drummond could be the best player in this draft if he works at it and is dedicated or he could be a guy that never develops.

Lots of young, young guys who are really hard to project imo.

Most importantly, after Anthony Davis who's the best fantasy bet in this group? Having trouble seeing it.

Dakich had an NBA guy (sorry cant remember his name) on his show last week and both of them claimed this draft to be weak. They said the only potential starters in this draft are Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist. That's it? Only 2 "potential" starters in the entire draft? I see some players who might start down the road, but how many are going to come in and start right away? This is not a strong draft at all. It is deep with mediocre talent. The difference between #5 and #30 may be very little. All bench fodder.

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Re: Can someone post this article?

I just see Boston packaging their picks (if needed) to try and get Austin Rivers, mainly to try and keep Doc around, they seem to like him.

"It's just unfortunate that we've been penalized so much this year and nothing has happened to the Pistons, the Palace or the city of Detroit," he said. "It's almost like it's always our fault. The league knows it. They should be ashamed of themselves to let the security be as lax as it is around here."

Re: Can someone post this article?

I think Kidd Gilchrist will be a great player jsut because he is damn smart on the court. The reason you see him attacking in the paint and looking for easy put backs right now is because he realizes that is the best way for him to dominate. The kid has a ton of skill in the open court with or without the ball when he gets the chance to show it. I'm not sure who he really reminds me of the in the current NBA, but I'll think he'll be a "star".

Davis will be a great defensive player, but that fact that Cody out played him in December and then absolutely throttled him head to head in Atlanta is a bit of a warning sign.

I could see that with Kidd Gilchrist, his shot is not great or he doesn't seem to use it, which he'll have to do at the next level. I rarely worry about a guy who can't shoot in college if he'll put the time in, which he certainly seems able and willing to do.

If Jason Kidd and Tinsley can develop shots anyone can.

My biggest worry for him, is most of the stuff he does in college won't work in the pros (offensive rebounds, not readily having a shot). He's so young, so it shouldn't be as much as a big deal as I'm making it, I bet. Just on his Bball IQ, willingness to play D, and fill in holes on a team..he should get him minutes right away. I'd love to have him here. Not sure if he'll ever be a big stat guy, but he'll be a guy who breeds success, I'd bet.

Re: Can someone post this article?

Doc's a genius when he's got veteran talent, he wasn't nearly as highly thought of prior to the big 3. Not saying he can't coach, but if they took his son based on that, I wouldn't consider it worth it, just to keep him.

I could see that with Kidd Gilchrist, his shot is not great or he doesn't seem to use it, which he'll have to do at the next level. I rarely worry about a guy who can't shoot in college if he'll put the time in, which he certainly seems able and willing to do.

If Jason Kidd and Tinsley can develop shots anyone can.

My biggest worry for him, is most of the stuff he does in college won't work in the pros (offensive rebounds, not readily having a shot). He's so young, so it shouldn't be as much as a big deal as I'm making it, I bet. Just on his Bball IQ, willingness to play D, and fill in holes on a team..he should get him minutes right away. I'd love to have him here. Not sure if he'll ever be a big stat guy, but he'll be a guy who breeds success, I'd bet.

great point.

Regarding MKG's game transitioning to the NBA, I think he's being overvalued based on the IU/Baylor games.

Against IU he was a difference maker...because every damn time he got a foot in the paint the refs blew the whistle. I believe he shot 10 free throws. I'm not an IU fan (Actually, don't like IU at all) but that was ridiculous.

He seems to finish well, but he's going to experience some difficulties getting to the rim against perimeter defenders in the NBA. I think he's good, and has great potential, but not as much as many others say he has.